Greek cuisine is a celebration of rich flavors and interesting textures. Every ingredient is a culinary masterpiece on its own, from tangy feta cheese and juicy olives to legendary Greek aromatics like garlic and herbs. And when it comes to finding the perfect drink to go with these mouth-watering dishes, nothing beats a good glass of wine. If you plan to visit a Greek restaurant in Maryland soon, you are in for a treat. In this blog, we will reveal the best wine and menu pairings at The Black Olive, a premier Greek restaurant in Maryland.
Appetizers
The Black Olive's menu is a treasure trove of layered flavors and stimulating aromas. We recommend starting with Crispy Fried Calamari. To complement the dish's salty and savory flavors, choose a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp acidity of this white wine cuts through the dish's richness, leaving your taste buds refreshed.
Alternatively, start your meal with a Spanakopita, Grilled Octopus, or Saganaki. Pair these with a refreshing glass of white wine such as Assyrtiko or Moschofilero. The citrusy and mineral notes of these beautiful Greek wines perfectly complement the food’s salty, tangy flavors. Finally, try the restaurant's signature cocktail, The Black Olive Martini, with traditional Greek feta cheese.
Main Course
Moving on to the main course, we highly recommend the Roasted Free Range Rack of Lamb. This dish features succulent lamb meat seasoned with herbs and spices, served with roasted potatoes and braised greens. Pair the lamb with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the dish's bold flavors. The rich tannins of a Cab Sav create beautiful harmony with the dish's savory and earthy notes.
If you are more in the mood for seafood, don't miss out on The Black Olive’s signature dish, the Whole Fish Baked in Sea Salt. This beautifully prepared dish features fresh fish baked in coarse sea salt, olive oil-poached potatoes, and braised greens. Pair it with a glass of Chardonnay to highlight the dish's round butter and bright citrus flavors.
For vegetarians, Vegetable Moussaka is a must-try. This layered dish is a medley of veggies, lentils, and Greek cheese, baked in a creamy tomato sauce. Pair it with a glass of Pinot Noir to balance out the dish's savory and spicy notes.
Dessert
For the truly dedicated, consider a dessert and wine pairing. End your meal on a sweet note with The Black Olive's selection of traditional Greek desserts, such as Baklava or Galaktoboureko. Pair these with a sweet Muscat wine. The Muscat's floral and fruity notes will complement the honey flavors in either dessert, making for a perfect ending to your meal.
The Black Olive Wine Selection
The Black Olive offers an extensive wine selection. We take great pride in featuring wines from Greece and the Mediterranean. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can guide you in selecting the perfect wine for any meal you choose. So, don’t hesitate to sit back and let the experts take the wheel!
There you have it; the best wine and menu pairings at The Black Olive. As you explore Greek cuisine and wine, remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing. Ultimately, it's all about finding the perfect flavors that work for you. Whatever pairing you go for, we hope this blog has inspired and encouraged you to try something new at your next Greek restaurant outing.
From the fresh and locally-sourced flavors to the unmatchable tastes of its wines, The Black Olive has something for everyone. The food is exceptional, and combined with our one-of-a-kind selection of wines from producers both domestic and international, there are always good pairing options! Come to celebrate or to enjoy a casual meal. Make a reservation and see what unique and unforgettable experiences await you at The Black Olive.
